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    Friday, October 01, 2021

The Department of Health Services (DHS) has updated its guidance, consistent with FDA authorization and CDC recommendation, for groups in Wisconsin who should and may receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster. You can read the full news release regarding this update here. 

The updated guidance states, in part, that:

-People aged 65 years and older, and adults 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions, should get a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. 

-People aged 18–64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may get a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine based on their individual benefits and risks (the guidance specifically notes those who live in a correctional facility fall into this category).

This means all persons in DOC care at adult institutions who received the Pfizer vaccine, and who received their second dose of that vaccine at least six months ago, may receive the booster.

This guidance only applies to those who received the Pfizer vaccine, because the FDA has only authorized use of the Pfizer booster at this point.

The health of those living and working in our facilities has been a priority for our organization throughout this pandemic. DOC will begin the process of identifying persons in our care eligible under this new guidance, providing them information about the Pfizer booster, and making the booster dose available to them.

Kevin A. Carr 
DOC Secretary